Los Mariachis: Perfect place to EAT…....Ideal place to MEET

Several weeks ago, the SHASTA UNFILTERED eNewspaper trio of writer/reporters, Kari Chilson, Elisa Ballard, and Jerry Sanchez, Sr., decided to act on the advice of Nigel Skeet, a co-founder of the Shasta County Chamber of Commerce, who said: “You guys need to start writing about food.” Nigel’s missive lit up a light bulb inside Sanchez’s head.  “Let’s do restaurant reviews,” he exclaimed, whereupon Ms. Chilson and Ms. Ballard simultaneously chimed in……………”That’s a great idea!” So thank you, Nigel.

Consequently, that “great idea”  has resulted in restaurant reviews of several dining establishments recently appearing on ShastaUnfiltered.com, including Sweeties Cafe and Catering, Vittles Family Restaurant, New China and Black Bear Diner, all located in Shasta County.

And since the SHASTA UNFILTERED eNewspaper serves the North State, and Red Bluff in Tehama County is nearby, Sanchez, with lovely wife, Cheryl, in tow, found themselves sitting in a “booth-with-a-view,” on a lovely afternoon, having a late lunch at Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant in rodeo-rich Red Bluff, California.

Being presented with a colorful—and comprehensive—menu, by server Manuel Enriques, it was decided that Cheryl and Jerry would share an impressive entree called Camarones con Tosino, which is shrimp wrapped in bacon, marinated in cilantro, sautéed with onions and green peppers, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole; And served with rice, beans and tortillas (flour or corn).  “Aye, Carumba,  bring us a take-home carton, Manuel.”

A little Los Mariachis history: Right around Y2K, 26 years ago to be exact, Roberto Reyes, often called Robert by Red Bluff’s locals, took a leap and bought Los Mariachis.  Back then it was just a family-run joint but Robert, alongside his bride, Consuelo, poured heart and soul into it, keeping the menu classic (think sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, fresh guacamole and killer margaritas) but added their own touch:  generous portions, homemade salsa, and a warm vibe that feels like you’re eating at your Momma’s table.

Over the years, Robert and Consuelo have expanded Los Mariachis, snapping up the building next door for more seating, which enabled them to have a dining room, perfect for private celebrations, birthday parties, employee gatherings, holiday and Christmas parties, family celebrations, and the like.

Today, nearly three decades later and having set down roots in the Red Bluff/Tehama County area, Los Mariachis was named Best Business Of The Quarter by the Red Bluff/Tehama County Chamber of Commerce.  Said Red Bluff’s Mayor, JR Gonzales, “Los Mariachis isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable.  And I remember when Robert and Consuelo, with their 17-person staff, cooked over 600 free meals for junior rodeo kids. They’ve donated to schools, events, you name it.” ¡Órale, pues!

Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant is located at 604 Main Street, at the corner of Antelope, in Red Bluff.  It’s open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.  Their number is 530-529-5154, and more information is available at redbluffmariachis.com.  Catering is available, as is online ordering via the QR code.  Happy hour is 2 to 5 Monday through Friday. The area’s businesses and non-profits are invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the SHASTA UNFILTERED eNewspaper at Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant on Tuesday morning, March 24, organized by the Red Bluff/Tehama County Chamber of Commerce.

Los Mariachis owner, Robert Reyes, left, with Robert Reyes, Jr. and Jairo Osoro, prepared the Camarones con Tosino.